Tahoe is full of amazing beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails and sights to enjoy. Whether you spend a day exploring Tahoe’s sights or a week (or more), you’ll never run out of things to do. For this two-part series, I focus on some of my favorite sightseeing spots I take family and friends to visit during their trips to Tahoe. In the first part, I explored some of my must-see locations on the West and South shores. In this part, I’ll share places to explore on the East and North shores. I’ll save a tour of Truckee for another time.
You can find my “Ultimate Tahoe Family Summer Bucket List” at YourTahoeGuide.com/bucket-list to enjoy many more adventures in Tahoe. Taking in the sights is just one way to make the most of your time in Tahoe. Other suggestions I have are to explore the many beaches around the lake; to explore the region’s hiking and mountain biking trails; to circumnavigate the shores of Lake Tahoe by kayak or paddleboard; or to explore the many lakes other than Tahoe in the region.
I’ll pick up this part as if you’re making a trip around Lake Tahoe in a single day starting on the West Shore, exploring the South Shore and then continuing along the East Shore.
Read Part I on the West & South shores at YourTahoeGuide.com
East Shore
Cave Rock | As you travel on Highway 50 from the South Shore, you’ll drive through the tunnels at Cave Rock, a spectacular sight. Shortly before you reach Cave Rock, look for the turn for Cave Rock State Park on the lakeside. Head down to the beach and take in the majesty of Cave Rock.
Logan Shoals | Continuing north, keep an eye out for the small turnout on the lakeside for Logan Shoals. It’s worth stopping to enjoy a short, paved walk overlooking Lake Tahoe and the vistas, including one of the best views of Cave Rock.
Spooner Lake | After you turn onto Highway 28, you’ll come quickly to Spooner Lake State Park where you can stop and check out the new visitor center or enjoy the 2.5-mile stroll around Spooner Lake (absolutely spectacular in the fall).
Sand Harbor | One of the most popular and busy spots on Lake Tahoe is Sand Harbor State Park. You’ll need a reservation to visit on weekends and holidays because it’s so busy, but if you go in the late afternoon, you can usually find a spot.
East Shore Trail | Next to Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village, Nev., is the parking lot for the East Shore Trail. The 4-mile paved multiuse trail offers access from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. You can park at either end and walk or ride on the trail with beach access and spectacular views.
Tahoe Science Center | The Tahoe Science Center is a great spot to learn about Lake Tahoe and the work being done to protect its clarity and health. The entire family will enjoy interactive displays and films.
If you’re on the East Shore at dinner time, you’ll enjoy fine dining lakeside at Edgewood Restaurant. If you’re closer to Incline Village, Nev., you’ll want to enjoy dinner at Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. You’ll need to make reservations for either restaurant.
North Shore
I live on the North Shore, so it’s my favorite part of the lake to explore and enjoy. It’s a privilegeto be able to live in Tahoe full-time and enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe every day.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area | One of the gems of the North Shore is the large, sandy beach in Kings Beach. There’s plenty of room this time of year to come for the day to relax and enjoy water sports. Skip the picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the many spots around this small hamlet.
Kings Beach is inundated in the summer by day visitors who come for the day but don’t spend money at local businesses. Please support our local businesses by dining out and visiting the many adorable shops around Kings Beach.
Don’t miss the last free summer concert of the summer and the free Labor Day drone show on Aug. 30. Find details in this edition.
Watson Cabin | Head west to Tahoe City to enjoy the North Shore’s other small town. Tahoe City is one of the old communities in the region, founded in 1863, and in the center of town is the historic Watson Cabin, built in 1809. The cabin recently underwent renovations and reopened this summer with new exhibits and an amazing local store.
Fanny Bridge | One of the popular attractions on the North Shore is Fanny Bridge overlooking the Tahoe City Dam at the Truckee River. The Truckee River is Lake Tahoe’s only outlet and the dam is a favorite spot for sightseeing. Many locals and visitors are incorrect that the name of the bridge is derived from the “fannies” that can be seen from people peering over the bridge. (This urban legend was perpetuated by the founder of the old Tahoe World newspaper that would print a count of the fannies spotted on the bridge in each week’s edition in the 1960s).
The bridge, built in 1913, is named for Fanny McGillicuddy Wilkerson, an aunt of the foreman of the bridge road crew.
You can peer into the now-remote inner workings of the dam by heading to the backside of the dam. There’s a walkway to enjoy the views and sometimes you’ll catch the gatekeeper working inside.
Gatekeeper’s Museum | The Gatekeeper’s Museum located next to Fanny Bridge is one of the region’s underutilized and most spectacular gems. The museum holds an astonishing collection of photographs and artifacts of local history but is renowned for its collection of native baskets. The Marion Steinbach Native American Basket Museum features hundreds of native baskets including one that is 900 year olds.
I highly recommend spending time at the Gatekeeper’s and exploring the grounds of the WilliamB. Layton State Park, where the museum is located. It is seldom busy and is a great spot to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Kat’s Picks for Good Eats
EAST SHORE
- Coffee | Drink Coffee Do Stuff, Clyde’s Coffee
- Brunch & Lunch | Sage Leaf, T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
- Dinner | Fumo, Bite, Austin’s
- Lakeside Eats | Lone Eagle Grille, Edgewood Tahoe
- Tasty Treats | Susie Scoops
NORTH SHOREE
- Coffee | Syd’s Cafe, Coffee Connexion, Treehouse
- Lunch | Whitecap’s, Jason’s
- Dinner | Lanza’s, Soule Domain, Spindleshanks, Fat Cat
- Lakeside Eats | Gar Woods, Za’s, Jakes on the Lake, Christy Hill
- Tasty Treats | Sweet Tahoe Time, Poppy’s, Little Truckee Ice Creamery
